Hey OSP,

My wife and I have been in the LA area for two years now. I've been busy with grad school studying photography, so I haven't marketed my wedding business here. Now that I'm done with school, it's time to start paying bills and I'm having a hard time finding a way to get plugged into the market.

I know word of mouth is always best, but when you're new somewhere it seems almost necessary to place an ad somewhere.

If anyone in the LA area is willing to offer some advice, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

All the best,

Jose
http://www.mandojanaweddings.com

Jose,

So. CA is a very competitive market which is over saturated with good phographers. Word of mouth to build referrals is probably your best bet but it also takes the longest.

Join the ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants) and attend their LA chapter meetings. You can get more info at www.bidalassn.com. At the meeting start networking with the other wedding vendors. You also might want to look into doing a few bridal shows but they usually don't return many signups. They do though give you an opportunity to meet other wedding vendors and network.

It's a lot harder in todays market than it was even a few years ago but stick with it and produce great images and you will make it.

Rick

I second Rick's mention of doing a bridal show. It could kick start your business because you'll expose your work to hundreds of brides that are in the market! And lots of them are last minute shoppers so you can possibly still book a bunch of Spring weddings.

Jose,

As a newbie in OC, I am going through the same thing. A little help goes a long way. I have the fortune of second shooting with a very experience wedding photographer and they have given me some business. Getting to know other photogs in the area is a definite must. Friends' referrals are my main source of bookings right now. Thank goodness for friends!

As Rick said, I joined ABC and have attended one of the meetings and met a bunch of nice people. Getting referred is another thing...a very difficult thing for a newcomer. But I've made some nice connections so far and hopefully with good work and experience, things will come my way.

I, too, am considering a bridal show. Some say that they bring in the "budget" bride, but I think to myself "cheap work is better than, no work". Any seasoned pros have opinions on this thinking?

Good luck to you.

Jan

Hey Jan,

I should be at the next ABC-OC meeting. Come over and say hi if you see me.



I have never done a bridal show but I have many friends who have. I was at one last Sundayjust to check it out because a friend was exhibiting there. There are bridal shows and there are BRIDAL SHOWS. The run-of-the-mill ones are very much the budget bride but my opinion yesterday was that the brides were not looking for the cheapest deal but just a great photographer that was friendly and willing to listen to their budget and work with her. There are a few bridal shows that are very upscale and expensive to exhibit in. It is my opinion that the majority of upscale brides never go to bridal shows to shop. They have wedding planners to work with and listen to their suggestions for vendors. But, the bridal show is a great place to network with prospective referral sources, mostly venues, hotels, resorts, etc.

Rick

Good info, Rick. Thanks.

And I'll definitely look for you at the next ABC meeting!

Jan